Jornada del muro fronterizo Wrote:
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> I’ll take RC over either of them.
>
> What would a genuine fireman typically do on a
> diesel?

Lots of things. Prepare the locomotive(s) for service, troubleshoot the engines (and steam generators, if equipped) enroute, assist in picking up and setting out units units enroute, watch for and announce signals, secure the locomotive(s) at the completion of the shift or trip, etc.

> Back then, the weren’t really qualified to
> actually run, were they?

Many firemen were promoted engineers, so yes they were, in the same manner as nowadays when an engineer is working as a trainman. Additionally, fireman going through the engineer training program are permitted to operate the locomotive under the guidance and supervision of the engineer.